Does Anastrozole for Men Cause Hair Loss?

You may have heard of a drug called Anastrozole for men, which has gained attention in the past few years for its potential health benefits.

While it is primarily used for treating breast cancer in postmenopausal women, researchers have discovered the potential benefits for men in optimising their hormonal balance.

However, this change in hormonal levels can have negative side effects, including on hair growth. Here, we will look at how the medication works, its benefits, the implications for men’s health, and how Hairy Hair can help.

• Uses of Anastrozole for men
• Side effects of Anastrozole for men
• How to reduce hair loss from using Anastrozole
• Final Thoughts

Uses of Anastrozole for men

How does Anastrozole for men affect the hormonal balance?

Anastrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It allows for the conversion of testosterone into oestrogen, resulting in higher testosterone production and lower estradiol ratios. This helps people who experience an abnormal hormonal status due to oestrogen excess through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Testosterone production

Elevated oestrogen levels and low testosterone levels in men can cause decreased bone mineral density, fatigue, and issues with sexual function. However, healthy oestrogen levels are essential for healthy male sexual function. Both males and females require balanced testosterone levels and oestrogen levels for their bodies to function well.

In men, decreased oestrogen levels can increase endogenous testosterone levels which can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Men treated with Anastrozole see an improvement in the testosterone-to-oestrogen ratio.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Anastrozole for men

An aromatase inhibitor like Anastrozole may be prescribed off-label to treat men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone therapy can lead to increased oestrogen levels due to aromatization.

Taking Anastrozole in combination with aromatisation prevents issues related to low testosterone and high oestrogen levels.

Monitoring free testosterone and oestrogen levels is necessary during hormone replacement therapy treatments like Anastrozole.

Using Anastrozole for men to treat male infertility

A low testosterone-to-oestrogen ratio is often observed in male infertility. Men with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2 often have endocrine dysfunction related to severe male factor infertility. Obesity contributes to endocrine dysfunction in men, often leading to low testosterone levels. This causes a lower sperm concentration.

An aromatase inhibitor like Anastrozole can be used to help male infertility and those who have decreased sperm quantity. When used, the drug showed a mean increase in testosterone levels from 270.6 to 412 ng/dL after 5 months of treatment.

Sperm concentration

An increase in endogenous testosterone levels helps to stimulate spermatogenesis, which improves the sperm levels in male factor infertility. By taking Anastrozole, male factor infertility patients saw an improvement in baseline hormonal levels and semen parameters.

Anastrozole therapy may help those who are overweight or obese achieve pregnancy naturally as they have decreased sperm concentration. Clinical fertility rates in men treated with Anastrozole reached 46.6%. Anastrozole treatment was well tolerated, with only mild side effects reported.

Clinical use of Anastrozole for men

Anastrozole is FDA-approved to treat certain types of breast cancers. Anastrozole increases testosterone levels in hypogonadal men. Thirty per cent to fifty per cent of infertility cases are linked to male factors. Healthcare providers may prescribe a medication off-label at their discretion.

How much Anastrozole should a man take?

The standard starting dosage for a man is 1 mg per day. However, some clinicians have started to prescribe small doses like 0.25 mg per day; smaller dosage tablets are recommended by speciality drug companies. It’s recommended to take 1 mg daily to reduce gastrointestinal toxicity.

Side effects of Anastrozole for men

Common side effects

There are some possible side effects to taking an aromatase inhibitor like Anastrozole for men, though it is typically tolerated well. Side effects can occur within 24 hours of starting Anastrozole. This is due to the lowering of oestrogen levels by about 70% within the first day of taking the drug.

The more common side effects include:

• Hot Flashes: When on this medication, men can experience unexpected and intense heat sensations alongside sweating and flushing in the face and neck.
• Joint Pain: Anastrozole for men can cause joint pains or stiffness, most commonly experienced in the knees, hips, or wrists.
• Fatigue: This is a common side effect of a lot of medications including Anastrozole. Men can feel more tired or lethargic while taking this treatment.
• Headaches: Headaches while taking Anastrozole for men can be mild or severe along with other symptoms like dizziness or light sensitivity.

Not all men will experience these side effects, but if they do they are usually only temporary and are manageable.

Serious side effects

There are some more serious side effects that, while rare, can be associated with the use of Anastrozole. If these side effects are found they require immediate medical attention. Some of these side effects include:

• Bone Density Loss (Osteoporosis): Anastrozole can cause bones to be more susceptible to fractures and breaks as a result of a decrease in bone density. Bone density tests should be regularly administered for men taking Anastrozole to monitor their bone health.
• Cholesterol Level Increases: Anastrozole can cause an increase in cholesterol levels. There is an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes as a result of higher cholesterol levels. Men taking this medication will need to have their cholesterol levels monitored regularly.
• Cardiovascular Complications: An increased risk of high blood pressure or blood clots can occur due to cardiovascular complications as a result of taking Anastrozole in some cases. These complications can result in critical health conditions meaning they require immediate medical attention.

Regular laboratory tests and check-ups are necessary to monitor the possibility of developing these rare but dangerous side effects.

Hair loss as a result of taking Anastrozole

While not as life-threatening, another potential side effect of taking a hormone therapy like Anastrozole is hair loss. This is because some of the testosterone gained through the use of the medication is also converted to another hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is an androgen which can affect the prostate along with hair follicles. The increase in DHT in the body can cause male pattern baldness to accelerate as well as stimulate prostate growth.

Testosterone therapy

The body contains an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase which converts testosterone into DHT. To prevent this conversion, drugs like Finasteride and Dutasteride can be used to prevent hair loss as a result of taking Anastrozole.

While hair can thin as a result of taking Anastrozole it is unlikely to result in complete hair loss. In studies of women taking Anastrozole, hair thinning typically improved after the first year of taking the medication. For others, however, the hair loss continued for the total duration of the treatment.

Clinical studies

The same study in women saw that 92% who were taking a hormone therapy that lowers estrogen levels like Anastrozole experienced Grade 1 alopecia (hair loss). The severity of hair loss was less than 50% compared to normal meaning it wasn’t very noticeable from a distance. This means that a different hairstyle can help cover the hair loss and may not mean that a wig or hairpiece is necessary.

As part of this same study, 80% of women who took Minoxidil 5% to counter the hair loss saw a moderate to statistically significant improvement in their alopecia.

How to reduce hair loss from taking Anastrozole

There are some ways in which you can minimise the effects of hair loss from taking Anastrozole which include:

• Use a gentle shampoo or conditioner that is low-sulphate
• Using lukewarm water to wash your hair
• Gently brush the ends of the hair while minimising contact with the scalp
• Before washing your hair use a wet brush to softly brush through the hair
• Protect your scalp from the sun
• Use a cool setting on a hairdryer or allow your hair to dry naturally.

Some supplements have been shown to protect and improve the health of hair through their antioxidant effects on the scalp tissue. These include Omega-3 and-6 Fatty Acids.

Treatment with Hairy Hair

Hair Hair provides a comprehensive treatment through the use of just one daily pill to conveniently manage hair loss:

• First DHT is targeted by the unique Hairy Hair treatment formula to support healthier hair.
• Next vasodilation widens the blood vessels which increases the blood flow and transportation of essential nutrients to your hair follicles through the bloodstream. This increased blood flow will result in more active hair follicles creating stronger, healthier and thicker hair growth.
• Vital vitamins and amino acids in the formula increase the health of your hair and immunity to allow for successful hair growth.

The treatment is scientifically backed with ingredients that are recommended by qualified doctors. As a long-term solution for dealing with hair loss, the results can be seen from 6 months after starting the treatment.

Convenient support

Get expert advice from doctors without ever having to leave your home. In the rare event of any side effects, experts are available to adjust your treatment for free. Doctors are available any time if you have any questions about your treatment and will help to monitor your progress from the very beginning.

With a convenient subscription service, your monthly fee will cover doctor consultations, express delivery and long-term support. Get your hair loss treatment delivered right to your door.

Final Thoughts

Anastrozole can provide men with benefits in terms of optimising testosterone production and managing oestrogen levels. Having the right balance of hormones in your body is crucial for many aspects of your health from libido to fertility and more.

Taking Anastrozole can have side effects like hair loss however so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before deciding to take the medication.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, whether from Anastrozole or for other reasons, get in touch with Hair Hair today to get started on your hair growth recovery journey. Fill out a quick questionnaire to stop the cycle of hair loss today and speak with one of our qualified experts.